LeBron’s Ohio Cupcake Connection Sparked Wild Rumors. Then Came the Retraction.

The rumor mill around LeBron James has entered its third week with no clear destination in sight. And then a cupcake baker in Ohio decided to stir things up.

Caroline’s Cupcakes, the Cleveland-area shop that famously telegraphed LeBron’s 2014 return to the Cavaliers, posted something on Instagram that got people’s attention. The caption claimed that not only was LeBron heading back to Cleveland this time, but he’d be bringing his son Bronny and Draymond Green with him.

“If you don’t believe me, you can Google ‘Caroline’s Cupcakes + LeBron’ to check my credentials. This ain’t my first rodeo IYKYK,” the post said.

That’s a pretty wild claim. Bronny coming home makes some sense, but Draymond? That felt like a stretch for even the most optimistic Cavs fan. The post didn’t last a full day before the bakery walked it back.

“This is an old story from years ago that popped into my memories today. I’m just sharing a fun local memory by joking what’s on the rumor mill…not reporting new news. If I hear anything concrete again I’ll be sure to let you know!” the updated post read.

The problem with reading too much into anything right now

Nobody has a hard answer on LeBron’s next move. Not the insiders, not the talking heads, and definitely not the bakeries. The Cavs have been getting some buzz because Cleveland is his hometown, but there’s a long list of teams still in the conversation.

The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are all reportedly still in the mix. LeBron was recently spotted golfing with Draymond Green in Puerto Rico, which only adds to the speculation that something could be brewing between them, even if it’s not both landing in Cleveland.

The cupcake lady had real credibility in 2014. She broke that story before most reporters had a clue. But this time around, she’s saying it was just a joke that got taken too far.

So now we wait. LeBron and Rich Paul are the only ones who actually know where he’s playing next season. Everyone else is guessing, including bakers.